Post-surgical garment

ABSTRACT

A post-surgical torso garment configured to be easily donned and doffed by a wearer having limited mobility through the elimination of fixed arm and neck openings. The torso garment including a single layer breathable front panel having first and second shoulder strap securement pads, and a single layer breathable back panel having first and second shoulder straps terminating in respective first and second shoulder strap fasteners configured to selectively couple to the first and second shoulder strap securement pads of the front panel, wherein the front panel and back panel are stitched together along respective first and second edges thereof to form a tubular fabric body configured to cover at least a portion of a torso of a wearer.

RELATED APPLICATION INFORMATION

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/236,392 filed Oct. 2, 2015, which is hereby incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to articles of clothing for patients who lack mobility, or who need to quickly and easily disrobe or partially disrobe for a medical procedure. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to pre- and/or post-surgical torso garments without fixed arm and neck openings.

BACKGROUND

Following many surgical procedures, for example, a mastectomy procedure, many patients may experience pain, discomfort and limited mobility. As a result, the patient may find it difficult to put on a shirt, particularly when the patient has to straighten their arm to put it through a shirt sleeve. Moreover, the patient may require prolonged care of the surgical site to prevent infection and promote proper healing. This may require donning and doffing the shirt with regularity, thereby compounding the pain and discomfort experienced by the patient.

Over the years several different types of post-surgical garments have been developed. The most common garment used in the hospital setting is simply known as a “hospital gown” also referred to as a “Johnny gown,” which is a loose fitting garment that secures in the back via one or more ties. Hospital gowns can be embarrassing for a patient to wear, as they often leave portions of the patient exposed and are generally considered unfashionable. In some instances, the wearing of a hospital gown can be a humiliating experience, particularly when walking through crowded areas of the hospital, or being seen by members of the opposite sex. Such an experience can greatly intensify the discomfort felt by a patient.

Accordingly, what is needed in the industry is a garment that can be easily donned and doffed by a patient having limited mobility that is both fashionable and provides adequate covering to protect the privacy of the patient.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present disclosure meet the need of the industry for a pre- and/or post-surgical torso garment configured to be easily donned and doffed by a wearer having limited mobility through the elimination of fixed arm and neck openings.

One embodiment of the present disclosure provides a post-surgical garment having a tubular fabric body configured to cover at least a portion of a torso of a wearer. In one embodiment, the tubular body has a single layer breathable front panel and a single layer breathable back panel, wherein the front panel and back panel are stitched together along respective first and second edges thereof to form the tubular fabric body.

In some embodiments, the front panel has a top edge including first and second arcuate cutouts contoured to accommodate the arms of a wearer, a third arcuate cutout contoured to accommodate the neck of a wearer, and first and second shoulder strap securement pads. In some embodiments, the back panel has a top edge including first and second arcuate cutouts contoured to accommodate the arms of a wearer, a third arcuate cutout contoured to accommodate the neck of a wearer, first and second shoulder straps terminating in respective first and second shoulder strap fasteners configured to selectively couple to the first and second shoulder strap securement pads of the front panel, thereby defining the arm and neck holes of the post-surgical garment.

The summary above is not intended to describe each illustrated embodiment or every implementation of the present disclosure. The figures and the detailed description that follow more particularly exemplify these embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure can be more completely understood in consideration of the following detailed description of various embodiments of the disclosure, in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 depicts a front panel of a torso garment in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 depicts a back panel of the torso garment in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 3 depicts the front of a torso garment in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure, wherein a shoulder strap fastener of the torso garment is coupled to a shoulder strap securement pad of the torso garment in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 4 depicts a shoulder strap fastener coupled to shoulder strap securement pad in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 5 depicts the shoulder strap fastener and shoulder strap securement pad of FIG. 4, but in a decoupled configuration.

FIG. 6 depicts a partially exploded view of a shoulder strap securement pad in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

While embodiments of the disclosure are amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof are shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the disclosure to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, a torso garment 100 according to a disclosed embodiment is depicted. Torso garment 100 generally includes a tubular fabric body 102 configured to cover at least a portion of a torso of a wearer. In one embodiment, a tubular fabric body 102 can be constructed of a front panel 104 and a back panel 106. Front panel 104 and back panel 106 can be affixed together, for example by stitching, at sides 108, 110 to form tubular fabric body 102.

With special reference to FIG. 1, in one embodiment, front panel 104 can have a top edge 112, a bottom edge 114, and two side edges 108A, 110A. Top edge 112 can be characterized by a plurality of arcuate cutouts. In one embodiment, top edge 112 can include a first arcuate cutout 116 and second arcuate cutout 118, wherein the first and second arcuate cutouts 116, 118 are contoured to accommodate a portion of the arms of a wearer. In one embodiment, top edge can include a third arcuate cutout 120 contoured to accommodate a portion of the neck of a wearer. In one embodiment, top edge 112 can include a first shoulder strap securement pad 122 and second shoulder strap securement pad 124. In some embodiment, top edge 112 can be reinforced or fortified with additional layers of fabric along a seam assembly. In one embodiment, top edge 112 comprises three layers of fabric stitched into place. For example, in one embodiment, the fabric of top edge 112 can be doubled or tripled over itself and stitched in place.

In one embodiment, side edges 108A, 110A are linear. In other embodiments, side edges 108A, 110A are contoured to the torso of a wearer. For example, front panel 104 can be configured to decrease or increase in width distance between the side edges 108A, 110A when progressing from the top edge 112 to the bottom edge 114.

In one embodiment, bottom edge 114 can be reinforced or fortified with additional layers of fabric along a seam assembly. For example, in one embodiment, the fabric of bottom edge 114 can be doubled or tripled over itself and stitched in place.

With special reference to FIG. 2, in one embodiment, back panel 106 can have a top edge 126, a bottom edge 128, and two side edges 108B, 110B. Top edge 126 can be characterized by a plurality of arcuate cutouts. In one embodiment, top edge 126 can include a first arcuate cutout 130 and second arcuate cutout 132, wherein the first and second arcuate cutouts 130, 132 are contoured to accommodate a portion of the arms of a wearer. In one embodiment, top edge 126 can include a third arcuate cutout 134 contoured to accommodate a portion of the neck of a wearer. In one embodiment, top edge 126 can include a first shoulder strap 136 and a second shoulder strap 138. In one embodiment, first and second shoulder straps 136, 138 can terminate in respective a first shoulder strap fastener 140 and a second shoulder strap fastener 142. In some embodiment, top edge 126 can be reinforced or fortified with additional layers of fabric along a seam assembly. In one embodiment, top edge 126 comprises three layers of fabric stitched in place. For example, in one embodiment, the fabric of top edge 126 can be doubled or tripled over itself and stitched in place.

In one embodiment, side edges 108B, 110B are linear. In other embodiments, side edges 108B, 110B are contoured to the torso of a wearer. For example, back panel 106 can be configured to decrease or increase in width distance between the side edges 108B, 110B when progressing from the top edge 1126 to the bottom edge 128.

In one embodiment, bottom edge 128 can be reinforced or fortified with additional layers of fabric along a seam assembly. For example, in one embodiment, the fabric of bottom edge 128 can be doubled or tripled over itself and stitched in place.

With special reference to FIG. 3, first and second shoulder strap fasteners 140, 142 of back panel 106 can be configured to selectively couple to first and second shoulder strap securement pads 122, 124 of front panel 104. For example, as depicted in FIG. 3, first shoulder strap fastener 140 is coupled to second shoulder strap securement pad 124. When both shoulder strap fasteners 140, 142 are coupled to the respective first and second shoulder strap securement pads 122, 124, two arm holes and a neck hole of torso garment 100 are established.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, detailed views of first shoulder strap fastener 140 and second shoulder strap securement pad 124 are depicted in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. In FIG. 4, first shoulder strap fastener 140 is coupled to shoulder strap securement pad 124, while in FIG. 5, first shoulder strap fastener 140 and shoulder strap securement pad 124 are decoupled.

In one embodiment, each of first and second shoulder strap securement pads 122, 124 can comprise a pad 144. Pad 144 can be constructed of a semi-rigid or stiffened material to provide an easier grip for the patient or clinician when in use. In some embodiments, pad 144 can be folded over itself and stitched into place for added structural integrity. In some embodiments, pad 144 can include a fastener 146, such as a hook-and-loop fastener, a clasp, a snap, or a combination thereof, as a method for providing a coupling between the shoulder strap securement pads 122, 124 and the shoulder strap fasteners 140, 142.

In one embodiment, each of first and second shoulder strap fasteners 140, 142 can comprise a pad 148. Pad 148 can be constructed of a semi-rigid or stiffened material to provide an easier grip for the patient or clinician when in use. In some embodiments, pad 148 can be folded over itself and stitched into place for added structural integrity. In some embodiments, pad can include a fastener 150, such as a hook-and-loop fastener, a clasp, a snap, or a combination thereof, as a method for providing a coupling between the shoulder strap securement pads 122, 124 and the shoulder strap fasteners 140, 142.

Referring to FIG. 6, in one embodiment, shoulder strap securement pad 124 can include pad 144, fastener 146, and optionally semi-rigid stiffening member 152. In one embodiment, shoulder strap securement pad 124 can be constructed by folding the edges of pad 144. Lateral edges of pad 144 can be folded to overlap another portion of pad 144 and secured into place, for example by stitching or adhesive. The top and bottom edges of pad 144 can be folded and secured into place in a similar manner.

In one embodiment, folding of the edges of pad 144 defines a pocket 154 for the optional placement of a semi-rigid stiffening member 152. Semi-rigid stiffening member 152 can serve to provide an easier grip for the patient or clinician when in use, thereby enabling the patient or clinician to more easily don and doff the torso garment 100. In one embodiment, semi-rigid stiffening member 152 can be constructed of a thin sheet of plastic, cardboard, or fabric with semi-rigid properties. Semi-rigid stiffening member 152 can be fixedly coupled to pad 144 via stitching and/or adhesive, or semi-rigid stiffening member 152 can be held in position by placement into pocket 154.

Fastener 146 can be fixedly coupled to an exterior of pad 144, for example by stitching and/or adhesive. Shoulder strap securement pad 124 can be operably coupled to the front panel 104, by folding pad 144 over the top edge 112 and an overlapping manner and fixedly coupling pad 144 to top edge 112 via stitching and/or adhesive. In this manner, shoulder strap securement pad 124 fully encompasses any un-hemmed portion of top edge 112. Shoulder strap fastener 140 can be constructed in a similar manner.

Persons of ordinary skill in the relevant arts will recognize that embodiments may comprise fewer features than illustrated in any individual embodiment described above. The embodiments described herein are not meant to be an exhaustive presentation of the ways in which the various features may be combined. Accordingly, the embodiments are not mutually exclusive combinations of features; rather, embodiments can comprise a combination of different individual features selected from different individual embodiments, as understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art. Moreover, elements described with respect to one embodiment can be implemented in other embodiments even when not described in such embodiments unless otherwise noted. Although a dependent claim may refer in the claims to a specific combination with one or more other claims, other embodiments can also include a combination of the dependent claim with the subject matter of each other dependent claim or a combination of one or more features with other dependent or independent claims. Such combinations are proposed herein unless it is stated that a specific combination is not intended. Furthermore, it is intended also to include features of a claim in any other independent claim even if this claim is not directly made dependent to the independent claim.

Any incorporation by reference of documents above is limited such that no subject matter is incorporated that is contrary to the explicit disclosure herein. Any incorporation by reference of documents above is further limited such that no claims included in the documents are incorporated by reference herein. Any incorporation by reference of documents above is yet further limited such that any definitions provided in the documents are not incorporated by reference herein unless expressly included herein.

For purposes of interpreting the claims, it is expressly intended that the provisions of Section 112, sixth paragraph of 35 U.S.C. are not to be invoked unless the specific terms “means for” or “step for” are recited in a claim. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A post-surgical torso garment configured to be easily donned and doffed by a wearer having limited mobility through the elimination of fixed arm and neck openings, the post-surgical garment comprising: a tubular fabric body configured to cover at least a portion of a torso of a wearer, the tubular body comprising a single layer breathable front panel having a top edge including: first and second arcuate cutouts contoured to accommodate the arms of a wearer; a third arcuate cutout contoured to accommodate the neck of a wearer; and first and second shoulder strap securement pads; a single layer breathable back panel having a top edge including: first and second arcuate cutouts contoured to accommodate the arms of a wearer; a third arcuate cutout contoured to accommodate the neck of a wearer; and first and second shoulder straps terminating in respective first and second shoulder strap fasteners configured to selectively couple to the first and second shoulder strap securement pads of the front panel; wherein the front panel and back panel are stitched together along respective first and second edges thereof to form the tubular fabric body.
 2. The postsurgical torso garment of claim 1, wherein the respective first and second edges of the front panel and the back panel are contoured to provide a narrower portion of the tubular fabric body between the top edge and a bottom edge.
 3. The postsurgical garment of claim 2, wherein at least one of the bottom edge and a portion of the top edge are reinforced with additional layers along a seam assembly.
 4. The postsurgical torso garment of claim 1, wherein the first and second shoulder strap fasteners couple to the respective first and second shoulder strap securement pads by way of hook and loop fasteners.
 5. The postsurgical torso garment of claim 4, wherein the first and second shoulder strap fasteners and the first and second shoulder strap securement pads are constructed of a semi-rigid pad having rigidity greater than that of the front panel and the back panel.
 6. The postsurgical torso garment of claim 5, wherein the semi-rigid pad is folded over on itself to encompass at least a portion of the top edge of the respective front panel or second panel.
 7. The postsurgical torso garment of claim 6, wherein one or more edges of the semi-rigid pad are folded over on itself and secured into place to further increase rigidity.
 8. The postsurgical torso garment of claim 7, wherein the one or more edges of the semi-rigid pad are folded over on itself to create a pocket.
 9. The postsurgical torso garment of claim 8, wherein a semi-rigid stiffening member is inserted into the pocket to further increase rigidity.
 10. The postsurgical torso garment of claim 9, wherein a semi-rigid stiffening member is constructed of fabric.
 11. A method of donning a post-surgical torso garment on a wearer with limited arm mobility, the method comprising: providing a post-surgical torso garment without fixed arm and neck openings, the post-surgical garment having a tubular fabric body configured to cover at least a portion of a torso of the wearer, the tubular body having a single layer breathable front panel having a top edge including first and second arcuate cutouts contoured to accommodate the arms of a wearer, a third arcuate cutout contoured to accommodate the neck of a wearer, and first and second shoulder strap securement pads, and a single layer breathable back panel having a top edge including first and second arcuate cutouts contoured to accommodate the arms of a wearer, a third arcuate cutout contoured to accommodate the neck of a wearer, and first and second shoulder straps terminating in respective first and second shoulder strap fasteners configured to selectively couple to the first and second shoulder strap securement pads of the front panel, wherein the front panel and back panel are stitched together along respective first and second edges thereof to form the tubular fabric body; threading the torso of the wearer through the tubular fabric body, such that the tubular fabric body covers at least a portion of the torso of the wearer, the respective first and second arcuate cutouts of the front and back panels are positioned proximate the underarms of the wearer, and the respective third arcuate cutouts of the front and back panels are positioned proximate the base of the neck of the wearer; and securing the first and second shoulder strap fasteners of the rear panel to the respective first and second shoulder strap securement pads of the front panel, thereby fixing the arm and neck openings in position.
 12. The method claim 11, wherein the respective first and second edges of the front panel and the back panel are contoured to provide a narrower portion of the tubular fabric body between the top edge and a bottom edge.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein at least one of the bottom edge and a portion of the top edge are reinforced with additional layers along a seam assembly.
 14. The method of claim 11, wherein the first and second shoulder strap fasteners couple to the respective first and second shoulder strap securement pads by way of hook and loop fasteners.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the first and second shoulder strap fasteners and the first and second shoulder strap securement pads are constructed of a semi-rigid pad having rigidity greater than that of the front panel and the back panel.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the semi-rigid pad is folded over on itself to encompass at least a portion of the top edge of the respective front panel or second panel.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein one or more edges of the semi-rigid pad are folded over on itself and secured into place to further increase rigidity.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the one or more edges of the semi-rigid pad are folded over on itself to create a pocket.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein a semi-rigid stiffening member is inserted into the pocket to further increase rigidity.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein a semi-rigid stiffening member is constructed of fabric. 